Annaf

Interesting three-year-old who ran 2nd in the Chipchase Stakes (1200m-G3) at Newcastle in June and has regularly placed at this distance. He runs better when able to get a forward spot, so disregard his last start in a mad dash at Goodwood when slow away then settling midfield before being hampered and eased out of the race. As with all the visitors, how he takes to the surface is key.

Black Musk

Improving type with a win in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200m-KG3) in May beating Raon The Fighter and Morfhis and then a good 2nd behind Morfhis in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200m-KG3) in June. Disregard his last start at an unsuitable 1600m.  He is very talented but may need a little luck in the run as he generally settles comfortably midfield and runs on. Look for him coming home wide, late, and fast.

Celavi

A bold sprinting mare from Singapore with great speed who likes to race forward. She won the 2021 Merlion Trophy (1200m-SIN G3). She has been consistent of late with a win and two placings in her last four starts. Disregard her last start when racing midfield and a little ungenerous although she still ran well in the straight. She looks to have the physicality and running style to put in a big show here.

Computer Patch

G1 placed and very competitive at the highest level in Hong Kong, Disregard last start when on pace and hampered and still close at the finish. His previous start was in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m-G1), when racing just behind the lead, touching the front close to finish and just going down while keeping on well. Respect this fellow.

Daehan Jilju

He is yet to win at 1200m but has scored on five occasions at 1400m, including last time out on 17 July when winning on his first try at class 1 in a super time. His racing pattern is to be on pace but with so much speed in this race, he may be better served to settle midfield and run on.

East Jet

An on-pace sprinter who has been prolific on the Korean track winning nine races and as a three-year-old, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200m-KG3). He has mixed his form of late but he has a good draw and with a good start, he can still prove a formidable force, especially if it is wet.

Eoma Eoma

One of Korea’s leading sprinters, having won the 2021 SBS Sports Sprint (1200m-KG3) and 2022 Busan Ilbo (1200m-KG3). At his last start he was caught wide and midfield and fought on gamely for 3rd. A real chance but not helped by the draw.

Global Captain

A sprinter who has had an up and down career, but his recent form reads well. He was 5th behind Morfhis in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200m-KG3). He has been settling in midfield and running on late and can do the same here although he does have plenty of form to overturn.

Morfhis

A consistent performer, he comes in having beaten Black Musk and Eoma Eoma to win his second SBS Sports Sprint (1200m-KG3) on 19 June. He tends to settle midfield and then run on so he may need a bit of luck, but he loves to have speed to run at, and at his best can’t be ruled out.

Raon First

Korea’s best mare, she has run fast times over all distances. Early in 2022 she won the Segye Ilbo Trophy (1200m-Listed) and since then has won in Listed and Graded filly and mare company. She has also won at class 1 against males. Disregard her last start when she reared as the gates opened and was then ridden hard to be up on the pace. Freshened up she could be right in this. Great draw.

Raptus

His nine race wins have all come over 1400m, including four at Listed level. This is not a concern though, just like it wasn’t for previous Japan-trained winner of this race, Moanin. He races forward, his style should suit. Big chance.

Spring Back

Finished 4th in this race behind Blue Chipper in 2019 but since beating Morfhis and Raon First at class 1 over this distance a year ago, he has had a tough time, with a best finish of 5th from six outings, albeit always in the very toughest company. Capable of springing a surprise on his day, but this looks hard.